5 Little Things That'll Help Make the Most of Even the Tiniest Kitchens

Like most New Yorkers, I'm somewhat lacking in kitchen space. Which is to say, my kitchen is also my dining room, which is also my living room, and I share it with two other people. So I've grown accustomed to making the absolute most of my space, using a little ingenuity to cram just as much into it as I possibly can. And, in many cases, that's no easy feat, especially when it comes to necessities. Presented below: five basic tiny kitchen strategies you can employ with a little help from our Shop.

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Mepal Microwavable Nested Storage Bowls

$61.60–$90

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With limited kitchen and counter space, I've become very practiced in figuring out which kitchen items can fit neatly in other, larger ones. That's why I love nesting bowls, those little kitchen teams that give you a lot to work with, but tuck themselves neatly away in a small space. These ones are great for storing and microwaving, meaning a whole lot fewer things you need to have stashed away in the first place.

Similar to my collection of mismatched storage containers is my collection of extremely cumbersome mismatched pots and pans. Which is why this 11-piece set is a lifesaver. With everything from a 6-quart stockpot (with a straining lid!) to a 12-inch nonstick pan, this tidy bundle is neatly contained and has nearly everything I need to fry, grill, steam, and boil—and it's oven-safe to boot.

It's always good to have more than one talent—especially when you're a kitchen item taking up valuable counter space. That's why this dish rack is such a delight: Its basin is removable, letting you essentially double your washing-up room.

One thing to remember in making the most of your kitchen (or any room) is that you're working with three dimensions. Hanging stuff on the wall or from the ceiling lets it double as decor—why shouldn't your decor earn its keep, after all?—and saves you precious countertop space. One colorful solution is hanging your favorite fruits (or onions or garlic) in an attractive bowl or basket. It's rustic, and hey, it looks darn nice.

Of course, there's a lotta stuff you can use in any room in your house—meaning, in other words, you can use them in the kitchen when you need them there, then banish 'em back from whence they came. This potato basket can double as a container for virtually anything—towels! toilet paper!—when it's not working in the culinary realm.

Check out more space solutions here—and happy tiny-kitchening!

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Reclaimed Walnut Magnetic Knife Strip

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Do you have a small-ish kitchen? How do you make the most of it?